~Pendle Hill~
19th August 2014
Pendle Summit
Very heavy rain spoilt the early morning commutes in areas around Bolton and Manchester, whilst we had sunshine. Later, bright sunshine on Pendle and dark clouds over parts of neighbouring Yorkshire. The sun shines on the righteous, does it not! ?
Oliver Ings Bridge
O6:50hrs and an early morning walk along the canal from Barden Road to Oliver Ings Bridge and then up to the Prairie fields. Shallow research on t'internet can't help me find out who Oliver was or why his bridge is different to most others. The hill in the distance is calling us, it's been 15 days since we were last on Pendle.
 |
 |
Leeds / Liverpool Canal |
Rain Clouds |
The line of rain clouds stretches right across the west/south-west horizon and reports on the radio talked of difficult driving conditions. This is very probably the first canal bridge I ever walked over; we used to live nearby and walk our black labrador "Susan" in this area.
Susan The Dog c.1968
My Grandpa Ratcliffe with Susan. Grannie and Mum, with sister Helen, making up the numbers. Susan was a blind dog and needed extra care. My dog list is Susan, Dana (pro. Day-Na) both Labs then Jess and presently Molly (both BC's).
The Preston to Colne Line
Now on the railway bridge and heading for the Prairie fields - local football pitches. Early morning walkers have routines and I had a feeling Darcey the Deerhound would be in attendance. She was and that saved me a lot of ball throwing, the two dogs racing around in tandem.
~~~~~
More Showers
Later in the day, we parked at the roadside for a hike up Pendle Hill. Further east a large cloud sits over the White Rose county.
Coul Clough Wind Farm
"They" are replacing the diddy wind turbines with giant ones. The contractors have built a road through farmland for the huge trailers bringing the stalks and blades and each delivery has a police escort through the local roads.
 |
 |
Up The Track
Molly now has no interest in sheep on the landscape, but I keep her in close control when we are in fields with sheep or if we have to walk very close to them. The shadow of Pendle is across the reservoirs, with the rain clouds further away.
Brierfield
Burnley
At the time of writing, we are the only side in the Premier League to take the lead against Chelsea in the 2014/15 season. That won't happen too often! My prediction is that Chelsea will be crowned champions at the end of the campaign.
Pendle Selfies
They took one earlier in Asda, that was a Shelfie. More often than not this year, there seems to be folk lingering at the summit when I arrive.
Pendle Top
The usual summit shot, looking north-east.
Pendle Sunset
Molly
In a failed attempt to get a silhouette of Molly, I put the ball on top of the trig. I'll try summat else next time.
Sunset over Bowland Fells
~~~~~
And on to the following morning, 20th August ....
Sunrise over Nelson Golf Course
O6:20hrs and the fields behind our house, leading to the golf course.
Morning View of Pendle
Hide & Seek
Molly has not quite got the hang of hiding. I counted to fifty, but soon found her. Each morning I can tell the time by the arrival of the gang over the fields. Seven dogs accompany the walkers and Molly gets a bit giddy rushing to all the adults to see what's on offer.
The Dog Walkers
The Pendle Walk took 1hr 20mins.
All photos copyright Richard Ratcliffe 2014 ©
Take me back to the start ....